One man, a million accomplishments
By: Kaeleigh Flannagan
How many people can say their name is a food item? Well, Chip Flannagan can! My dad got his nickname, Chip, from his parents, Joyce and William. My grandma, Joyce, unfortunately lost her battle of cancer a few years ago. My dad learned many life lessons from her and my grandpa. She also inspired my dad to fall in love with music. Music is a big part of my dad's childhood. Today, my dad is rocking his job at Wells Fargo. Please listen to this interview to learn about my hero, my dad.
How would you describe a hero? This is my definition of a hero...
What is an Untouchable Hero?
An Untouchable Hero is someone who inspires, but is a distant figure. This person could be a celebrity, an extended family member, or someone you met at a church retreat. I've never met my Untouchable Hero, but I hope to one day. Click the button to read about my Untouchable Hero, Misty Copeland.
Music: Good or Bad?
After researching many topics, I decided to base my essay off of my dad's love of music. I wanted to connect the topic to students like me, and adult workers, like my father. My dad grew up being a classically trained musician, but he couldn't pursue a career in music. Fortunately for me, he stopped playing music to raise me and care for my family. The question is: Can listening to music be beneficial to listeners by improving productivity and creating positive attitudes?
NYC
Kaeleigh and Chip taking a quick selfie in NYC
The Record Player
Chip's grandfather's record player, that was given to Chip when he was a teenager.
NYC
Chip and his daughters in Times Square, New York over spring break.
Music Influences
My dad had many favorite songs and bands throughout his childhood and teenage years. I created a playlist of songs that represent his overall favorites. The bands include: The Beatles, Freddie And The Dreamers, Kansas, Heart, Boston, Styx, and The Kingsmen. His parents influenced his music taste because they always bought records when he was a child. They would always listen to music around the house. Also, my dad's grandfather knew my dad loved to play and listen to music, he gave his old record player to my dad (pictured above). Click on the links to listen to each song.
FUN FACT: My dad was able to go into The Kingsmen's tour bus!
Playlist
1. More Than A Feeling by Boston
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSR6ZzjDZ94&app=desktop
2. I'm Telling You Now by Freddie And The Dreamers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5fHPbRYD3o
3. I Wanna Hold Your Hand by The Beatles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDWEi9lIY0M
4. Carry On My Wayward Son by Kansas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X_2IdybTV0
5. Barracuda by Heart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4nWy8pmIM4
6. Grand Illusion by Styx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO62scTZ7Qk
7. Louie Louie by The Kingsmen
Meatloaf Recipe
Yes, my dad loves to eat chips, but his all time favorite food is meatloaf. Every year on his birthday, my mom makes him meatloaf, and forces my sister and I to eat it too. This is the recipe my mom uses to make her delicious meatloaf:
Ingredients:
1lb. ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
Small can of tomato sauce
1 TBS Worshishire Sauce
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Stir until well blended. Bake for 30 mins.
Trinity Preschool
My dad and I at my preschool, Trinity.
Ice Skating Showcase
Posing in front of Centennial Rink after my ice skating showcase.
Hilton Head
My wonderful family looking young, and fabulous in Hilton Head, SC.
Christmas
My sister, my dad, my grandpa (Paw Paw), and I together after Christmas dinner. Every Christmas Paw Paw, my dad's dad, comes to Illinois to celebrate the holiday's with us.
Aulani
Victoria, my dad and I getting a quick picture after eating with Disney characters in Aulani. Over winter break, my family traveled 9 hours to the beautiful Oahu, Hawaii. We spent a week in the Aulani Resort, and even spent Christmas there!
Horseback Riding in Hawaii
My family on Christmas day, horseback riding in the sunny Oahu, Hawaii.